CllOMWKIili.
on
varied forms? It is clearly evident ho
could not, nnd it is due to the amount of
real life that lie threw into his writings
that gives them at the present day their
pre-eminence.
Again, it was by observing the client of
the force exerted by the boiling water in
his aunt's tea kettle, that the boy Watt
gave to the world that greatest of motor
powers, steam, and we have but to look
about us to see the grand results. The
slow moving "Prairie Schooner" has giv
en way to the swift "Iron Horse," the
uncertain sailing vessel, driven back and
forth by contrary winds, to the mighty
ocean steamer, which moves majestically
through the storm in proud contempt of
both wind and wave. But aside from
these grand and benellcial results which
all arc the common recipients of, there
are many of a more personal nature. For
example, if we listen to a lecture or dis
cussion, we should observe among other
things, the assertions made, the strength
or weakness of the arguments brought to
bear in their defence, the style of deliv
ery and above all the ctlcet produced on
the hearers, for, it is in the ability to play
upon the feelings of his auditors that the
suiuglh of the orator lies. How often
have our minds been wearied and our pa
tience exhausted by a lengthy narration
of the sights and scenes of other lands by
an imperfect observer, while on the other
hand wo have listened with breathless in
terest to one who has noticed whatever
came within the range of his vision with
an agulcness that at once attracts and in
structs us. Thus it is if we would bo con
tinually storing up knowledge as we pass
through life we must be accurate observ
ers. Bukk.
0110MWELL.
In presenting to you a character who
has playod so prominent a part in the
world's drama, we shall need to show
under what peculiar circumstances he en
tered. From the downfall of the Roman
empire there had been nothing in Europe
in a settled condition.
The whole continent with the adjoining
islands had been in continual struggle
and commotion on account of the Cm.
sades and Religious Revolution. This
was the condition of n Hairs when Eng
laud and all the other great nations of
Europe were born.
All these changes and experiences had
given the people larger views, and they
were no longer willing to submit to their
king, or the Pope at Rome. The people
at that time felt the need of political and
religious liberty, but absolute power held
thorn in cheek. The political and re
ligious forces seemed to join and work
against monarchy. There were a great
many other parties which were trying to
gain the ascendency and get at the head
of the government. It was under these
circumstances when England was vasal
luting from one side to the other, iirst n
monarchy, then in favor of republicanism,
then on the side of the church, that Crom
well appeared in England and began the
great career that lay before him.
Oliver Cromwell was horn April 25th,
1509. His father was a man of some in
fluence, although not a man of much
wealth. His mother was a woman oi
more intelligence and religious zeal.
That love of truth and right which so
characterized the crowning years of Crom
well's life must have been inherited from
his mother.
A striking illustration of her devotion
and love for humanity is given in her last
words to her son. She said on her death
bed: "The Lord cause his face to shine
upon you and comfort you in all your
adversities, and enable you to do great
things for the glory of your most High
God, and to be a relief unto His people."
Of the early life of Cromwell we shall
say but little. He attended the Essex col
lege at Cambridge for some time, but be
ing called nwuj' by the death of his father,
he never returned. However, it is said
that he acquired such a knowledge of the
UlWtt
f